I have been wanting some new desk organizational items but did not want to spend tons of money for them. I was surprised to find that a matching set of desk supplies can cost quite a lot.
Instead of spending a fortune on them, I decided to make my own by buying certain items that were inexpensive and just jazzing them up some. I also upcycled other items which didnโt cost me one bit.
Michaels had a large selection of paper mache items like these boxes I found in several different sizes. I knew they would work perfect to organize several different supplies.
I was also doing some baking recently when I emptied a plastic can of icing. I donโt like to always collect canisters and then not use them, but I couldnโt throw this one out.
I immediately thought it was the perfect size to hold my pens and pencils. But it is way too plain and needing some spunk added to it. Thatโs where another fun way to use washi tape came into action.
I know I have used washi tape a lot lately, but there really are a lot of good uses for it. It is so inexpensive and can be found in so many different designs and colors.
I started covering the old icing cup and paper mache boxes and before I knew it, my coordinating desk organization was coming together.
I saved so much money using items I already had and couldnโt be happier.
I love taking old items and giving them a new purpose without all the money and hard work. Now you can too. Let me know if you have other ideas or suggestions for keeping things organized for a fraction of the price with recycling items.
Enjoy a new organized life this year and keep enjoying the little things in life.
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Stephanie says
I love how simple this project is, yet it looks so nice! Great Ideas!!
Bethany says
Thank you so much!
Jess Benoit says
What a cute idea! I love how you recycled the icing canister & great choice of pattern for the tape. ๐
Bethany says
Thank you so much! I found all the washi in one canister together for only $6. I couldn’t believe it. It worked out perfectly.
Aimee says
I love your DIY accessories. My desk needs some sprucing up, so I may have to give this a try. Do you have any tips on how to keep your washi tape straight when you apply it? I always start off with it lined up, but then it either gets crinkled or isn’t lined up straight. I think I’m washi tape challenged, lol!
Bethany says
Sometimes that happens to me too. I try to start with lining it up on the edge of the box or container and then using that tape for the next row and use it as a straight line. You could also use a ruler to mark the straight line and then use it as a guide when applying the washi tape. Hope this helps!
Melanie says
What a great idea! Thanks!
Bethany says
You are so welcome!
Erin says
How cute!! I was just thinking about how I can make my desk cuter and more organized at the same time. Love this.
http://www.hellosunriseblog.com/the-most-refreshing-water-ever/
Bethany says
Thank you so much! It really does save a lot of money.
Christine says
These would be GREAT gifts for people in your office…you know, the people that you don’t really want to buy a gift for but are kind of forced to since you work with them EVERY DAY! ๐ Thanks for the idea!!
Bethany says
It is a great gift idea as well and very inexpensive.
Stephanie @ Casa Watkins says
Very nice idea! I love using recycled containers and this is such an easy way to upcycle the containers. Thanks for sharing
Bethany says
Thank you so much for stopping by. It was great having you.
Carmia says
A great way to dress up some plain boxes! Thanks for the inspiration ๐
Bethany says
Thank you so much for stopping by and so glad you enjoyed!
Carrie Chance says
great post! I’ll be trying this!
Bethany says
Thanks! I’m so glad.
Angie B says
Love it. I’m always saving containers and boxes I think I can reuse. They come in handy
Bethany says
They sure do! I just have to be sure to use them so they aren’t just sitting around and piling up. Lol!
Amy Groves says
These re great ideas! I can’t wait to give them a try.
Bethany says
I’m so glad you liked them. Thanks for checking them out.
Ronda says
That’s cool, I really like the pattern you chose
Bethany says
Thank you! I couldn’t resist this washi tape either.
Jaclyn Anne says
These are fantastic ideas! Thank you!
Bethany says
I’m so glad you liked them.
Tami says
I used to save the icing containers and use them. I never decorated them though. I may have to make a few cakes to make me some of these for my desk. ๐
Bethany says
That’s a great idea plus it gives you a reason to bake something yummy and enjoy it.
Christine Gallagher says
I love these, I all containers with the intention of reusing these for stuff like this but now I have a pile of containers and now I know what to do with them thanks so much for the idea.
Bethany says
You are so welcome! I have done the same thing in the past too, but then I get tired of feeling like I’m hoarding everything. It is definitely a great way to repurpose them.
Corina Ramos says
I really love this idea and I think I can do this one. Thanks for sharing. ๐
Bethany says
You sure could. Corina you gotta give yourself more credit.
Amy@HomeRemedies says
I love to keep old containers, too, but don’t always know what to use them for. This is such a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing at the Talented Tuesdays Link Party!
Bethany says
You are so welcome. I try not to become a hoarder with containers but there are always great projects you can do with them that it’s hard not to throw them away.
Linda says
AWESOME !!!
Bethany says
Thank you!